Boone County’s unemployment rate reached 7.7 in February.
That number is less that the national and state average, but it is a 6 percent increase from January.
According to information released Friday by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, Boone County’s unemployment rose from 7.3 percent in January to 7.7 in February. State unemployment was 9.4 percent in February and the national rate for that month was 8.1 percent.
Boone County’s rate places it in the middle of surrounding counties. According to Bureau of Labor Statists data, neighboring counties and their rates include: Hamilton, 6 percent; Hendricks, 7.3 percent; Marion, 8.7 percent; Montgomery County, 9.1 percent, and Clinton, 10.5 percent.
Boone County has a workforce of 27,733 and in February, 25,588 individuals were employed, compared to 2,145 out of work. At 7.7 percent unemployment, Boone County’s figure is near the middle of Indiana counties — it was 42nd of the state’s 92 counties.
An overview of the state
Indiana’s unemployment rate grew slightly in February to 9.4 percent, keeping the state’s jobless rate at the highest level since the recession of the early 1980s.
February’s jobless report shows 324,000 Indiana residents looking for work — about 4,000 more than in January. That pushed the state’s jobless rate up slightly from January’s 9.3 percent.
February’s numbers suggest that an increase in heavy construction jobs amid the lingering recession is starting to offset continued drops in auto manufacturing, said Teresa Voors, commissioner of the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.
“We expect to see continued growth as outdoor construction resumes, but this may not completely negate extended furloughs and layoffs in the automobile industry in the coming months,” Voors said.
Indiana’s 0.1 percentage-point February jobless increase was the smallest among it and neighboring states.
Illinois reported the largest increase, up 0.8 points to 8.6 percent. Ohio’s rose 0.6 points to 9.4 percent, while Kentucky’s climbed 0.5 points to 9.2 percent. Michigan’s rate climbed 0.4 points to 12.0 percent.
February’s national jobless rate was 8.1 percent.
Local News
Unemployment climbs slightly in county, state
- Local News
-
-
Group considers balance between growth and farmland preservation
Wanted or not, development is coming to Boone County, and now is the time for the county’s residents to determine where and how that growth will occur.
-
Alleged meth dealer arrested in Lebanon
Diners at a Lebanon fast-food restaurant received a start when a suspected drug dealer was arrested at gunpoint in the parking lot.
-
Measles outbreak may include Boone
Two Boone County residents appear to have measles, while two Hamilton County residents — including at least one who visited the Super Bowl Village in Indianapolis on a day it was attended by about 200,000 people — have been confirmed as having the disease.
-
Skillman brings tour to county
Elected officials in Boone County are being proactive in “trying to address issues they know are coming down the road,” Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman said after meeting representatives of nine local governments.
-
County council field expands to 6
An incumbent at-large member of the Boone County Council will seek election to the board, while a sixth candidate has joined the field for the Republican Party’s nomination for the three at-large seats.
-
Stocking Up
The store is still hiring. “We are very excited to come to town,” said General Manager Jon Keller.
-
Communities evaluate success in bowl roles
While the world was focused on downtown Indianapolis in the days leading up to Super Bowl XLVI, many outlying communities — including Lebanon and Zionsville — were also playing a role, taking care of visitors, working at the event or taking in the celebration leading up to the big game.
-
Thomas takes reins of learning network
The Boone County Learning Network is looking in a new direction with a new executive director, Michele Thomas.
-
Lebanon High School graduate turns Naptown Roller Girl
Indianapolis, sometimes called “Naptown,” is known for its NFL football team, Motor Speedway, and — on a good day — its basketball team.
-
Deputy-involved accidents down over last 5 years
Accidents involving Boone County Sheriff’s Office deputies have been falling steadily since 2008, insurance agent Dan Lamar told the county commissioners Monday.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs
Expert: Removing LA School's Staff 'Appropriate'
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
$25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses
Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
